About the Role

This is not your typical construction management position. Underwood & Associates (U&A) is looking for a driven, adaptable, hands-on individual to grow into a leadership role within our field-based ecological restoration team. This role is best understood as a development position—a starting point for someone with long-term ambition, a deep respect for nature, and the willingness to earn their way up through hard work, humility, and learning.

Our approach to restoration is unconventional. We integrate ecological principles, rigorous construction, and a deeply collaborative culture to restore wetlands, streams, and shorelines. You will not be handed a polished title and clipboard—you will earn trust in the field, learn how we think and build, and develop into a future project manager or field leader.

If you are excited by challenge, motivated by purpose, and ready to work shoulder-to-shoulder with crews in difficult conditions, this may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

What You will Do

You will be asked to wear many hats. No two days will be the same. You will:

  • Start in the field—learning our restoration methods from the ground up
  • Perform construction labor—from planting and grade work to erosion control and stabilization
  • Support construction layout and survey work, learning from experienced staff
  • Operate machinery (if qualified), or learn the basics over time (e.g., skid steers, excavators)
  • Assist with daily crew supervision and logistics, supporting the Foreman and Project Manager
  • Adapt quickly to shifting priorities, weather, and project needs
  • Document field progress, support safety practices, and eventually help manage schedules and deliverables

You will not be “plugged in” as a ready-made Assistant PM. You will be mentored, challenged, and expected to grow into the role.

Who We Are Looking For

We are not interested in resumes filled with buzzwords. We are looking for real people with real drive. The right candidate will embody many of the following attributes:

Mindset & Character

  • Growth-Oriented: You see yourself as a work in progress and want to be better every day
  • Mentally Tough: You embrace discomfort, can work through frustration, and stay focused under pressure
  • Physically Capable: Comfortable working outdoors in all conditions—heat, cold, bugs, mud, snow
  • Positive & Resilient: You do not spiral when things go wrong—you adapt, keep moving, and find solutions
  • Humble & Hungry: Willing to carry a 6” hose, direct traffic, plant wetland plugs, or run a machine whenever needed
  • Clean & Professional: You show up early, take pride in your appearance, and respect the worksite and your team

Willing to Embrace the “Underwood Way”

  • We do things differently—intentionally. You must be open-minded, coachable, and ready to relearn techniques you may have picked up elsewhere. Experience helps, but buy-in matters more than background.

Bonus Qualifications (Not Required, But a Plus):

  • Equipment operation experience (skid steer, small and/or large excavator, etc.)
  • Construction, landscaping, or survey experience
  • College degree, environmental background, or prior military service
  • Spanish language skills
  • Artistic eye or passion for ecological restoration
  • Athletic or team-oriented background
  • Commitment to personal growth and self-discipline

What Success Looks Like

In year one, you will:

  • Earn the crew’s respect by working alongside them
  • Learn how we build restoration projects, from pre-con to punchlist
  • Begin to anticipate field needs and lead small tasks
  • Demonstrate integrity, ownership, and curiosity every day

In time, you will:

  • Lead crews on site with confidence
  • Manage schedules, logistics, and progress reporting
  • Represent U&A values in every interaction—with clients, agencies, and partners
  • Become a key part of our leadership pipeline

How to Apply

Send a resume and cover letter explaining:

  • Why you are interested in ecological restoration
  • How you align with the values described above
  • What drives you beyond a paycheck

Email your cover letter and resume to heather@ecosystemrestoration.com
with the email subject: Assistant PM / Foreman Application – [Your Name]

Compensation & Benefits

  • $55,000/year with opportunity to increase to $60,000/year after 3 months if specific goals are met
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance (we pay 70% of an employee’s premium)
  • 7 days PTO after 106 days of employment
  • 8 paid holidays annually
  • Lunch stipend provided
  • Training and mentorship provided
  • Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and advancement
  • Advancement opportunities into full Project Manager roles
  • Meaningful, place-based work that improves water quality and ecological function

Final Word

This job is not for everyone. It IS for someone who wants to build a future through hard work, who is willing to do the small things well, and who is eager to grow into a leadership role the right way. If that is you, we are excited to meet you.